HDR in Helsinki: Finlandia-talo

Finlandia-talo (Finlandia Hall) is one of Helsinki’s landmarks. Built 40 years ago it has since hosted many concerts. There’s also a congress wing. The building lies at the shores of the Töölönlahti bay. It is easily approachable from downtown by foot, tram or bus.

The funny thing lies in the walls. They are made of granite slabs. And granite slabs tend to bend in cold weather. Finnish winters are very cold. What happens? The slabs bend. And they have been replaced once. It didn’t help. The new slabs are curving too. There has been a lot of debate if this is appropriate for such an important building as Finlandia-talo. I think it’s indifferent. It looks OK now.